Every now and then I like to shine the spotlight on you, the college student so I can hear about your own experiences and aspirations towards college and beyond.

Today the student spotlight is shining on Wil, the senior whose about to start his last year as an undergrad before finally achieving his four-year degree.

BillyS: When you started college you had your mind-set on a different major than the one you’re about to graduate with now. You wanted to be involved in making music, more specifically recording, producing, engineering. Why did you decide to change that plan?

Wil: One day our all-knowing recording tech professor, who was a former Yamaha Record Producer, replied to a student question: “What was it like?” His answer was basically “You start at the bottom, crappy hours, crappy pay, no life. Work your way up and when you’re in the business for about 15 years, you might get a shot at producing.” I interpreted that as “Good luck.” After hearing that my plans changed from [working in music] to becoming a history professor. It was more realistic and within my reach. But after [many history classes] I felt dead. Being in a class all day wasn’t really something I wanted to do.

I wanted to do something that wouldn’t have me sitting behind a desk so I asked my favorite professor, Glenn Jaecks. This guy was awesome, pulled a knife on me and rode my long board around the hall in the same day. He always had stories, fun facts and had been all over the world. I asked him for suggestions.

Wil is a Senior

What did he tell you?

He gave me a list of jobs that were outdoorsy and one stuck out at me: “Game Warden.” What other job pays you to hike, fly, ride and explore all day? That was for me.

It’s funny because before I spoke with Professor Jaecks, I once joked with my mom about getting into law enforcement and she said that it was the last thing she ever wanted me doing because it meant potentially getting shot at and often being on your own. Next thing I know, I’m researching the career she never wanted for me.

I bet your mom still isn’t thrilled about you being a Game Warden is she?

She is a little worried. But she supports me all the way same goes for my dad. They both know that this is what I want to do with my life and I’ll be living my dream… I mean, it’s either this or become a male stripper. [laughs]

I like how those are the only two choices, Law Enforcement in the form of a Game Warden or Stripper. That’s it!

Hey! In my opinion those are it! Fun and money! Once I get enough money from being a warden, I’ll open up a male strip club and you’re welcome to come dance Billy! [laughs]

Of course! But, seriously for those who don’t know, like me, what does a Game Warden even do? Sounds like you’ll be decked in armor and saying things like “You Shall Not Pass!” Game Warden sounds something like that am I right?

[Laughs] I won’t quite be like Gandalf. Generally a Game Warden is something like a sheriff for hunting and fishing laws plus other violations outside city limits. It varies from state to state. In Alaska, Game Wardens are called Wildlife Troopers. They perform search and rescues, facilitate drug investigations, patrol the bush, monitor wildlife populations, enforce hunting and fishing laws, a huge range of responsibilities.

So it’s your last year of college. I’m sure you’re excited but is there a part of you that’s a little freak out about moving on in this big, crazy world?

I’m a bit scared. I do already know my basic plan from here so it’s not as intimidating as it sounds. I’ve been in school for the past 17 years of my life, I don’t know anything else but knowing that I’ll finally have something to show for all this time in school minimizes that feeling of being scared. Like anybody else, though I do have “maybes” running through my head like “What if I don’t get into the academy*?” or “Will the economy still suck?”

*Alaska Wildlife Trooper Academy

You’re now on the verge of graduation. How do you feel about college now as opposed to what you thought college was going to be like when you were a freshman? Were you ever McLovin? [laughs]

At first I was under the impression that I was entering a new world. I’d be out making friends everyday, having crazy “Project X” parties but I feel like college has been like a bunch of tests. Tests for you to improve certain skills like filtering out useless information, learning to cope with ADHD, maybe learn to “BS” a little and at the end, actually learn a thing or two.

As for the social side of college, I have made some good friends, been exposed to a bunch of different people and truthfully it’s like nothing has changed much. And I wouldn’t call it like “Project X” but there have been a couple crazy parties. And no, I’m not McLovin though I can think of a guy that reminds me of him. I’m more like Snake Plissken.

Last question. Since, you’re almost finished with this thing, what kind of college advice would you give to incoming freshman?

Honestly it’s not that hard to get through. If you use your head and don’t do anything too stupid you won’t have a problem and will get the most out of your experience. Also, just relax and be you. Don’t let anyone judge you for the things you’re proud of in life. Truth is you are primarily in a college to get an education, everything else is secondary. Finally, when it gets tough, remember to take it one day at a time. You can’t go wrong.